Mexican Gangs Calling the Shots From Behind Thick Walls.

          The Nuestra Family and La eme, also known as the Mexican Mafia are two of the largest Mexican gangs in California prisons. They have the strength and power to deal and traffic drugs on the outside from behind prison walls, shot call murders and beatings as well as a number of other violent actions from the inside of the California prison system. These gangs have total control of California prisons and because of their main drug trade, they have aided in the over crowdedness of the prison system. Overcrowding, one of the largest problems the criminal justice system faces currently is due in part to petty crimes such as possession, sale and trafficking of marijuana. A free flowing drug that the cartels have a firm hold on and can easily move it into the United States. The higher up in command within these gangs and cartels, are called shot callers. They sit behind the prison walls and give orders to “foot soldiers” on the outside to move and conduct business until caught. The foot soldiers, conduct more than just drug sales and trafficking. They are heavily involved in human trafficking, murders, extortion and torture. All of their actions are called from behind the walls.

          The Mexican shot callers, or leaders, are calling their shots by using “kites.” Small pieces of paper rolled up very tightly. These kites contain various codes that can be translated into objects and letters by members on the outside. The office of the United States Attorney General, Southern District of California states, “The Mexican Mafia, a racketeering organization is involved in a wide range of criminal activities including but not limited to: murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, violent threats, importation and distribution of controlled substances, laundering and robbery.” (2009) Also acknowledged was the manner in which the Mexican Mafia is able to exert control over illegal activities, both within the prison system and on the streets through various, smaller Hispanic street gangs. (justice.gov). The amount of control they have in society and events called on from behind prison walls is absurd. They are creating a more violent atmosphere on both the Arizona and California borders, as well as in the streets where normal, innocent people reside, often times bringing innocent people into their mayhem.

          Correctional Administrations and Officers need to step up and take control of the criminal justice system instead of letting the gangs run the prisons. These leaders need to be completely cut off from outside communications in order for the violence and illegal activities to stop. If Arizona is able to enact a law that specifically profiles people of Hispanic ethnicity, then revoking what civil rights they have should not be a problem and needs to take place. Outside communication needs to be completely cut off aside from heavily monitored, written letters and incoming mail only from known family members. This could prevent outsiders from sending narcotics and notes inside. While family members may try to get stuff through mail security, it would be more difficult if institutions stepped up and screen and processing procedures. By eliminating communication and heavily monitoring their actions, we could drastically cut out the problems previously mentioned such as overcrowding and violence in the streets. The gangs are willing to do what it takes to commit these acts, regardless of the cost but there is only so much they can do if our institutions take a stand for firmer action and enforcement.

References

United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt
http:www.justice.gov/usao/cas/press/cas90116-Leon.pdf

Valdez, Avelardo. (2005). Mexican American Youth and Adult Prison Gangs in a Changing Heroin Market. Journal of Drug Issues (4), p.843-867. Retrieved November 9, 2010.